Finding Hope in Darkness

It's 3:30 AM. The night is dark, cold, and seemingly endless. From my window, I can see the faint glow of a streetlight. I turn to my online Bible and read Psalm 23. One verse stands out to me: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4, NIV).

In this moment, I know that dawn is approaching. But right now, I am in the darkness. Am I waiting for daybreak? What makes the new day special? It will likely be the same as yesterday—it always has been. Nothing particularly extraordinary.

Amidst the darkness, when life has become tough, I can hardly see the glimmer of hope.

But God has a promise to the people who are navigating life's darkness: He will walk with them, comfort them, and protect them as He is a Good Shepherd who will never abandon His sheep.

And so, I listen to my heart. He resides in my heart.

First, the psalm is calling me to faith. That God is walking with me in the valley of darkness and so I shall fear no evil or harm. It invites me to believe that He is at my side to give me comfort and courage to face the hardships in life without fear. "Peace be with you," was the greeting of the risen Lord to his disciples who were hiding in the upper room. His peace dispels fear. Do I believe in it?

Second, the psalm is calling me to find meaning in adversity. I need to take a serious look at my life, hoping to see adversity as an opportunity for growth and transformation. Can I find meaning in my experiences even when they seem overwhelmingly difficult?

Third, the psalm is calling me to gratitude. In the darkness of tough times, God is present to give me comfort and protection. My only response is gratitude. It is a spirituality of gratitude promptings me to cultivate a mindset of gratitude, focusing on the blessings and positive aspects of my life. I must be present in the moment, appreciate the beauty and wonder that surrounds me, bits and pieces of happiness, the gifts of friends and loved ones, even amidst challenges.

Looking at these three callings: faith, meaning, and gratitude, these are the pathways towards hope. Hope is not just wishful thinking; it is a deep-seated belief that things can get better, no matter how bleak they may seem. Psalm 23:4 teaches me to embrace resilience, have faith, find meaning in adversity, and practice gratitude. Through them, I can experience the transformative power of hope. It enables me to navigate tough times with courage, grace, and a renewed sense of hope.

It's 4:20 AM. In a few minutes, the Muslim starts its morning call to prayer.